Not long to go now!
Ruby's 8 week update shows how much she had improved already. Keeping everything crossed that she continues her improvement.
Friday, 5 September 2014
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Exciting week 4 update
Great news from Rockley for week 4. Ruby has developed a much better landing, watch for the little toe flick as her hoof nears the ground...
http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/catching-up-ruby-and-more-on-landings.html
Thrilled that we are a third of the way through now. Roll on the next 8 weeks, then the real hard work begins!
http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/catching-up-ruby-and-more-on-landings.html
Thrilled that we are a third of the way through now. Roll on the next 8 weeks, then the real hard work begins!
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Three weeks in
I can't believe we are three weeks in already, a quarter of the way through Ruby's Rockley rehab.
I am currently on annual leave from work and on a bit of a health kick, after all it will be no good having a sound pony if I'm not fit enough to keep up. My Husband and I (and our two labradors) headed out on the West Highland Way last Friday in blazing, glorious sunshine. We have been doing a fair bit of hill walking, including a dozen or so Munros (Scottish Mountains) in preparation for the 97 mile walk from Glasgow to Fort William. All was going well until we reached the halfway point. Our male lab, Bruce, developed very sore, blistered foot pads on his hind feet. We had previously joked that he would be the last man standing as he is so fit but we were left eating our words. Between the rest of us we had a few sore muscles but no blisters at all. It was disappointing to come home, but we will certainly be back to try again. Next time we will probably leave the dogs at home though. Camping in a tent with two smelly dogs was by far the most difficult bit.
It was great to get back home to a lovely 3 week update about Ruby. I'm really impressed with the frog on her right fore which looks to have beefed up significantly. There's not much change to see on the lateral shots, but the heel photos show all sorts of crazy things happening to the wall length and angles. Hopefully for the better! Nic blogged that she is optimistic the elusive heel first landing is not too far away. I very much hope she is right.
To continue the theme of my health kick, and to help the next nine weeks pass as quickly as possible, I have decided to try some pilates. My husband and I tried our first session at home using a book for beginners. I'm not sure it should involve rolling around on a mat in hysterics, so we'll have to see if we can do better next time! If anyone can suggest a good dvd please do comment and let me know.
I am currently on annual leave from work and on a bit of a health kick, after all it will be no good having a sound pony if I'm not fit enough to keep up. My Husband and I (and our two labradors) headed out on the West Highland Way last Friday in blazing, glorious sunshine. We have been doing a fair bit of hill walking, including a dozen or so Munros (Scottish Mountains) in preparation for the 97 mile walk from Glasgow to Fort William. All was going well until we reached the halfway point. Our male lab, Bruce, developed very sore, blistered foot pads on his hind feet. We had previously joked that he would be the last man standing as he is so fit but we were left eating our words. Between the rest of us we had a few sore muscles but no blisters at all. It was disappointing to come home, but we will certainly be back to try again. Next time we will probably leave the dogs at home though. Camping in a tent with two smelly dogs was by far the most difficult bit.
It was great to get back home to a lovely 3 week update about Ruby. I'm really impressed with the frog on her right fore which looks to have beefed up significantly. There's not much change to see on the lateral shots, but the heel photos show all sorts of crazy things happening to the wall length and angles. Hopefully for the better! Nic blogged that she is optimistic the elusive heel first landing is not too far away. I very much hope she is right.
To continue the theme of my health kick, and to help the next nine weeks pass as quickly as possible, I have decided to try some pilates. My husband and I tried our first session at home using a book for beginners. I'm not sure it should involve rolling around on a mat in hysterics, so we'll have to see if we can do better next time! If anyone can suggest a good dvd please do comment and let me know.
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Exciting times ahead
Last Autumn, around about the time Ruby failed to improve with remedial shoeing, I came across Rockley Farm. It's quite an odd thing, learning to accept that everything you thought and accepted as correct could actually be wrong. I'm sceptical by nature, but reading through the blog, time and time again Nic's techniques helped horses overcome injuries that would have otherwise left them permanently lame. Rather than using remedial shoeing to 'force' the foot into landing the 'correct' way, she supplies them with all the fundamental things they need (nutrition, movement, supportive surfaces) to allow them to make changes gradually in a way that is optimal for them.
When Ruby was obviously struggling a few weeks back, I immediately knew that I would ask Nic if she felt Rockley would help. The response was optimistic so I set about organising the logistics.
Initially I was determined to take Ruby down to Rockley myself. I was unable to get time off work, and the reality of travelling the length of the country (and back again!!) in a weekend set in so I had to re-evaluate. I found Acton Hall Transport via a website that searches for transport quotes. On Tuesday Ruby loaded well into the super smart little lorry, and began her long journey down South. Gina and Dan were wonderful throughout, updating me with the progress of Ruby's journey over two days, even sending me a photo when she had arrived. I will definitely use them for her return visit and would recommend them to anyone looking for transport, especially long haul.
When Ruby was obviously struggling a few weeks back, I immediately knew that I would ask Nic if she felt Rockley would help. The response was optimistic so I set about organising the logistics.
Initially I was determined to take Ruby down to Rockley myself. I was unable to get time off work, and the reality of travelling the length of the country (and back again!!) in a weekend set in so I had to re-evaluate. I found Acton Hall Transport via a website that searches for transport quotes. On Tuesday Ruby loaded well into the super smart little lorry, and began her long journey down South. Gina and Dan were wonderful throughout, updating me with the progress of Ruby's journey over two days, even sending me a photo when she had arrived. I will definitely use them for her return visit and would recommend them to anyone looking for transport, especially long haul.
Today is day four of her stay, and she has already featured in two blog posts. In the first post (found here) Nic describes what Ruby needs to do to improve. The second post (found here) has some lovely pictures showing that she has already made herself at home and has found herself a holiday romance in the shape of Felix, a gorgeous (orange!!) thoroughbred that arrived a few days earlier than she did.
I'm wishing the weeks away already. If anyone reads this blog, please send all your hoof-healing vibes in the general direction of Exmoor. My girl needs them for the next 11 weeks and 3 days...
...a long overdue update
I thought it was about time I resurrected the blog as I finally have something exciting to share (more on that in the next blog post!!) but for now here's an epic catch up on 2014 so far for us.
I last blogged in January when things were going quite well, with Ruby declared sound at her booster. We carried on with increasing our road work and her hooves seemed to be growing quickly with a well defined angle change visible.
Around this time we had some saddle issues, which are ongoing and very messy. When Ruby first arrived, I ordered her a jump saddle with a big name saddlery company via their 'Young Horse Scheme' which was sold to me as a system of re-adjusting fit over a period of 18 months as you pay the cost of the saddle off. Deposit paid in November 2012, and by February 2014 I still hadn't received a saddle to my specifications (you name it, they got it wrong; width, colour etc etc!!). Eventually a saddle fitter new to the company came up to visit and exclaimed the saddle that had been provided did not fit (unsurprisingly as it constantly slid back). Within a few weeks they were back with a bespoke saddle that felt far too narrow. I was told to ride in it and that it would 'bed down'. It made Ruby feel horribly short and tense and the bad fit was confirmed by a visit to an independent saddle fitter.
The original saddle company refused to give me a refund and we reached stalemate. They have since gone into receivership which complicated matters further. In amongst all of this mess, I got a lovely second hand Albion K2 jump which fitted Ruby like a glove. She seemed to approve and started to build up some muscle along her weak topline.
Naked hooved utopia was short lived however, when Ruby developed a particularly nasty abscess in her right fore in February. The poor mite was exceptionally painful, so rather than leaving the abscess to blow on it's own, after 5 days of 'hopping' lameness I dug the blighter out of her toe. Relief was instant, but healing was slow, slow, slooooow. The abscess refilled not once, not twice but three times. I discovered Red Horse Products Hoof Stuff just in time for my first skiing holiday to Switzerland.
I had only started skiing this winter at the fabulous indoor slope in Glasgow, and found my 'rider's thighs' were made for the slopes. It certainly helped as an alternate outlet for getting my adrenalin fix in the absence of jumping. Eventually when my legs had had enough, I hired a sledge, which made for aching-sides laughter. We also consumed vast amounts of chocolate and cheese - ooops!!
On my return, Ruby was looking good (many thanks to freelance groom Jade & my friend Kirsty) and was ready to start ridden work again. However, a week after returning home I was very suddenly taken ill. What followed was a pretty horrible and scary time for me (Months later and I'm still not properly better) and I found myself signed off work and on extreme bed rest for a couple of weeks. When I was able, spending time chilling out with the ponies made me feel human again, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't spent quite a bit of time having tears mopped up by Ruby. She is my bestie.
After a while, when declared fit by my doctor, we were back on track and getting fit with the goal of getting to confidence bootcamp at Park End Equestrian. We were making the most of the clocks changing and getting out hacking after work, enjoying the lovely part of the world that we call home. Ruby was also doing lots of poles, albeit somewhat enthusiastically!
We toddled off to camp in England (just over the border!) at the end of May and we had an absolute ball. Ruby's flatwork felt incredible at times and we made it through some very long grids and round a 75cm show jump course with huge smiles on both of our faces.
After camp, I became a little concerned that Ruby didn't feel level again. This was confirmed when I video'd her trotting up. There were lots of tears, particularly as her insurance 'year' was pretty much over. I spent a lot of time on the internet researching our options and looking at stories of other horses with palmar foot pain that conventional treatment had not worked for. And that's when I decided upon OUR NEXT STEP...
I last blogged in January when things were going quite well, with Ruby declared sound at her booster. We carried on with increasing our road work and her hooves seemed to be growing quickly with a well defined angle change visible.
Around this time we had some saddle issues, which are ongoing and very messy. When Ruby first arrived, I ordered her a jump saddle with a big name saddlery company via their 'Young Horse Scheme' which was sold to me as a system of re-adjusting fit over a period of 18 months as you pay the cost of the saddle off. Deposit paid in November 2012, and by February 2014 I still hadn't received a saddle to my specifications (you name it, they got it wrong; width, colour etc etc!!). Eventually a saddle fitter new to the company came up to visit and exclaimed the saddle that had been provided did not fit (unsurprisingly as it constantly slid back). Within a few weeks they were back with a bespoke saddle that felt far too narrow. I was told to ride in it and that it would 'bed down'. It made Ruby feel horribly short and tense and the bad fit was confirmed by a visit to an independent saddle fitter.
The original saddle company refused to give me a refund and we reached stalemate. They have since gone into receivership which complicated matters further. In amongst all of this mess, I got a lovely second hand Albion K2 jump which fitted Ruby like a glove. She seemed to approve and started to build up some muscle along her weak topline.
Naked hooved utopia was short lived however, when Ruby developed a particularly nasty abscess in her right fore in February. The poor mite was exceptionally painful, so rather than leaving the abscess to blow on it's own, after 5 days of 'hopping' lameness I dug the blighter out of her toe. Relief was instant, but healing was slow, slow, slooooow. The abscess refilled not once, not twice but three times. I discovered Red Horse Products Hoof Stuff just in time for my first skiing holiday to Switzerland.
I had only started skiing this winter at the fabulous indoor slope in Glasgow, and found my 'rider's thighs' were made for the slopes. It certainly helped as an alternate outlet for getting my adrenalin fix in the absence of jumping. Eventually when my legs had had enough, I hired a sledge, which made for aching-sides laughter. We also consumed vast amounts of chocolate and cheese - ooops!!
On my return, Ruby was looking good (many thanks to freelance groom Jade & my friend Kirsty) and was ready to start ridden work again. However, a week after returning home I was very suddenly taken ill. What followed was a pretty horrible and scary time for me (Months later and I'm still not properly better) and I found myself signed off work and on extreme bed rest for a couple of weeks. When I was able, spending time chilling out with the ponies made me feel human again, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't spent quite a bit of time having tears mopped up by Ruby. She is my bestie.
After camp, I became a little concerned that Ruby didn't feel level again. This was confirmed when I video'd her trotting up. There were lots of tears, particularly as her insurance 'year' was pretty much over. I spent a lot of time on the internet researching our options and looking at stories of other horses with palmar foot pain that conventional treatment had not worked for. And that's when I decided upon OUR NEXT STEP...
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Delayed week 4 mugshots!
They're here, very delayed week 4 mugshots are finally up.
Left fore:
Right fore:
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
Time to trot!
I'm so happy this evening, I'm literally dancing around my lounge.
Alas, no lottery win, the new trailer will have to wait. I'd booked one of my equine colleagues to come and vaccinate the girls today. It is quite frustrating having to pay veterinary fees when I am a vet (albeit a dog and cat one). Official rules say as her owner, I am not allowed to sign her passport, and I am hanging onto the hope that one day Ruby will recover enough to do some Riding Club teams at least.
I have to admit having a bit of a secret agenda. After both girls had their injections, I asked if I would be able to trot Ruby up so they could see if she was sound. Over the past six months I have come to the conclusion that I cannot rationally assess Ruby, and whilst I thought she was doing well, I wanted an impartial opinion.
Which brings me to the good news. Ruby is sound. SOUND!! In trot on concrete in a straight line and on the lunge in trot in the arena. SOUND!! Can you tell this excites me?
We don't have anywhere big enough to lunge on a hard surface and I suspect this may still be an area where she will take more time to improve, however I am thrilled with what we have got so far.
The other good news is that my patent over reach boots and new girth arrived today. Both are lovely and I'm really impressed with the speed of delivery from www.equestrianclearance.com - I am still waiting for Ruby's Christmas present from Horse Health. How ironic the over reach boots arrived on the day I became utterly convinced barefoot was the right thing to do. She can still wear them for dressaging, long gone are the days of her bar shoes and wearing them 24/7. All the gear no idea.
Trot work can now start in earnest. So exciting!
Monday, 6 January 2014
We have MagOx lift off!
It's always exciting to have parcels waiting for you when you get home from work. My poor husband got a fright to see me hurriedly open my package tonight, to reveal a bag of suspicious looking white powder. I know he jokes that I'm like a crack addict with my pony habit, but I think he was worried for a moment. Not to worry, MrMac, it's Ruby's magic powder.
I know some people use magnesium as a calmer, but I'm hoping Ruby doesn't get any more laid back. She was Mrs Chilled tonight happily doing walk work in the arena. I have started to introduce some trotting down the long sides and across the diagonal and we worked on sharpening up the transitions. She's such a goody two shoes that she was really getting the hang of it by the end. The vet school advised I could introduce trot sooner but I have been really cautious to do things slowly. Whether she is 100% sound, I'm not sure, but she seems happy enough from on-board.
It has also become apparent at how much more settled she is the past few weeks. She was closely bonded to a (chestnut TB!) gelding in her field, but since separating them she has come on leaps and bounds. Tonight she stood under the solarium lamp and ate her dinner and her haynet whilst I did some chores. A few months ago she would've been weaving like a whirling dervish and producing lots of runny poos. Tonight she just produced one lot of very normal droppings. Success!
The final bit of good news is that she ate the MagOx no bother, which was a relief given she will happily spit out the fast fibre and linseed given half a chance. Thanks heavens for molasses free Alfa-A.
 |
| Such a shiny bottom! |
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Friday, 3 January 2014
Thursday, 2 January 2014
footfall video
As promised, here are some very blurry shots of Ruby's footfall on concrete 2.5 weeks after deshoeing. Looks to be landing pretty flat to me. What do we think?
Walk walk walk
Having come to the conclusion that Ruby isn't comfy enough to hack out yet, we had another arena based session today. I added some random poles for variety which made Ruby's day.
Ruby loves her jumping. I really hope one day we can fly again.
The girls stayed out last night but as a way of compromise, I have opened up the arena and area of planings for them today so that they can hopefully have dry feet whilst they eat hay. I may try this system for a few days to see if it helps.
Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Happy New Year
Happy New Year everyone!
I was up bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning after having an early night last night. I couldn't get into the party spirit after a day at work so I settled for hot chocolate and reading Phoenixhorse barefoot forum on my laptop instead. I have become a barefoot geek!
The girls both seemed a bit tender walking over the planings to come in today. I think both Ruby and Millie have a bit of thrush appearing in their frogs. I'm not sure if this is related to the changes I made to their diet recently or the horribly wet ground.
We stayed in the arena because I am doubting that Ruby is landing heel first. I think she has signs of excessive wear at her toes so I am worried that I have rushed the introduction of walking on tarmac. This coupled with the sensitivity over the planings has been cause for concern. I shall try to upload a couple of video snippets and I would welcome any feedback.
I've been snuggled on the sofa this afternoon as the weather has been grim. I have picked up a couple of sales bargains from equestrianclearance.com in the form on patent over-reach boots (in the hope that one day we can look like snazzy dressage divas!!) and a shaped Tekna girth. My finger has been hovering over the purchase button of an Equilibrium massage pad but I am currently resisting. My favourite site GJW Titmuss has them only marginally more expensive than second hand ones on ebay. And speedy free delivery to boot!
I am currently debating whether I should bring the girls in tonight. The rain is lashing down and the wind is shaking the sash windows. I hate the winter.
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